I was lucky enough last Friday to spend time with one of my favourite author, illustrators Stephen Michael King. Stephen spoke candidly about the difficulties of his early school years, about the writing and illustrating process and the joy it brings. He offered encouragement as I too picked up the pencils and joined him in letting my thoughts and ideas flow freely on the plain paper before me.
Stephen Michael King
Sensationally, stylish shoes!
Everyone knows how much I love shoes! Not so long ago I shared one of my favourite books, Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat, by Stephen Michael King with year one. It’s about a timid girl called Millie whose creativity is stifled by the people around her. Every day she makes brown shoes, black shoes and plain, ordinary work boots when all she really wants to do is use her flair and imagination. This changes the day two vagabond minstrels, Jack and the dancing cat roll into town and give her the courage to finally be herself. Inspired by Milli, year one designed some super stylish creations that would be the envy of Jimmy Choo, Manola Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. I’d certainly like one or two pairs of these in my collection.
Have you read this great book? Why not look for it in our library.
My Top 5 Australian Picture Books
It’s no secret that I LOVE picture books. They can be beautifully simple yet contain ideas so complex and multi-layered. I have compiled my top 5 all time favourites by Australian authors. No mean feat but here it is!
Rose meets Mr Wintergarten by Bob Graham
The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson
Milli Jack and the Dancing Cat by Stephen Michael King
It was hard to leave out The Brothers Quibble by Aaron Blabey, Tanglewood also by Margaret Wild, and The Peasant Prince by Li Cunxin… I could have gone on and on and on…
I was tempted to give you a quick review of each book but instead I’ve featured my top 5 on display in our makeshift library. I want you to find out for yourself why I chose each one. Please read and enjoy!
Do you have a top 5 like me or just one all time favourite? I’d love to hear what it is.
Coming soon: my top 5 picture books by international authors. Look out for books by Anthony Browne, Lynley Dodd, David Cali, David Wiesner, Karin Gruss.